The Road Ahead

In an upfront conversation Manav Kapur, Executive Director, Steelbird International speaks to Sumesh Soman about the road ahead for the components business.

- Sumesh Soman

Q. How did the company cope up with the adversities caused by the Covid19 pandemic?

A. We probably had the highest sales in the pandemic year. Even in the following year, we are building on the momentum. There’s a post-pandemic surge in demand. And thankfully, we were able to scale up and are adding capacity now.

Q. How much has digitalisation contributed to the bottom line?

A. Digitalisation contributed to the accessory space but not in the auto component space. I look primarily into the auto components segment so I can tell you that it hasn’t scaled up as much. But it does not mean that I don’t believe in its potential. As of current, Indian consumers are cautious with the exception of automotive enthusiasts.

Q. How do you foresee the crossover from ICE to EV impacting the auto components segment?

A. There’s going to be a significant shift in the kind of components that will be developed. There’s a drastic reduction in the number of components when it comes to EVs. Everyone will have to leverage their own strength areas and remould themselves to align with the change.

Q. Your view on the FAME-II outlay and the future incentivisation of e-mobility in the new year?